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Community Grant Program Philosophy and Guidelines

The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is the charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois. In the past 10+ years, the combined efforts of both organizations have provided more than $30 million to programs and organizations in Illinois that improve the oral health of the residents of Illinois. Charitable contributions to the Foundation support our priorities that include:

  • Access to Oral Health Care
  • Student Excellence
  • Oral Health Education and Awareness

Community Grants Overview

Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation primarily focuses its grantmaking on programs and/or organizations targeting children that address many of the needs mentioned above. Our three key priority areas are:

  • Oral Health Education and Awareness
  • Access to Oral Health Care – specifically programs that also educate and inform
  • Oral Health Workforce development – training, staff to increase access, sponsorship/mentorship 

Organizations may apply for a one-year grant ranging from $1,000-$20,000. Organizations are allowed to reapply if they have already received a grant in a previous year. However, each year’s request is considered separately by the Grants Committee. Prior funding does not imply consecutive funding.

Timeline

  • Application Deadline: September 2, 2024
  • Community Grants Program Review Process: September
    Site visits may be scheduled during this time period.
  • Grants to be Awarded: November 2024
  • Save the Date: All applicants should hold March 12, 2025 in their calendars. Grant recipients will be invited to attend a Comunity Grants Reception. Time to be determined, but will likely be from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Progress Report due with the following year’s application if applying.
  • Final Report: February 2026 

Grants Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation provides must be for the following:

  • Program/project costs;
  • Equipment and supplies related to the program/project;
  • Salaries related to the program/project.

Organizations receiving funding must:

  • Have a physical presence in the state of Illinois and must benefit Illinois children;
  • Be a public charity classified as exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; or
  • Be a public or governmental entity such as a public school or health department.

Generally, The Foundation gives preference to organizations and programs that:

  • Address identified needs among underserved segments of the population.
  • Build awareness and educate Illinois children on the connection between overall health and oral health;
  • Are financially and operationally stable;
  • Fulfill a unique or unduplicated need;
  • Have a plan and process in place to measure and report outcomes.
  • Have a new, innovative model that is providing successful outcomes and has the potential to be replicated throughout the state.

Restrictions:

Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation’s Community Grants Program will not award to the following:

  • Organizations outside of Illinois that do not serve Illinois children
  • Projects not related to oral health
  • Bricks and Mortar
  • Organizations/projects that do not benefit Illinois residents
  • Individuals and Individual Treatment Costs
  • Religious Programs or Activities
  • Endowments
  • Political Organizations, Groups, or Campaigns
  • Fundraising Events

Tips for Applications

  • Before completing the application, please review Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation’s in-kind donation application process. We typically do not provide funding for toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and educational materials.
  • If there is an organization providing the exact same program or service for the same population in the same region, please provide rationale.